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WCWildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)Wildlife Conservation

Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

Location

Bronx, New York, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

1+ years

Compensation

$48.1K - $48.1K per year

Posted

1h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This role involves the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the Bronx Zoo's mammal collection, exhibits, and facilities. Key responsibilities include preparing animal diets, performing exhibit maintenance, observing animal health, and participating in animal behavior and enrichment programs.

Position Summary:

To perform any activity necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service.

Principal Responsibilities:

  • Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

  • Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

  • Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

  • Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper and humane protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas.

  • Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff to include, but not limited to the installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water quality, addition of substrates, and cleaning of exhibit glass and graphic panels.

  • Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas to ensure that they are clean, well lit, properly ventilated, properly heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly.

  • Observe the animals entrusted to his/her care and report promptly on any indication of illness.

  • Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick animals and follow all protocols established for the daily care of the animals.

  • Participate in Bronx Zoo animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich the daily lives of the animals in our care.

  • Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naïve and experienced animals to exhibits.

  • Participate in daily enrichment programs.

  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Bronx Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.

  • Enforce the Bronx Zoo’s visitor rules and regulations.

  • Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

Qualification Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree with major in biology or a related field with one year recent, full time paid experience in the handling, feeding and care of animals in a zoo or on a stock farm with experience supervising animal care staff, OR an equivalent combination of education or experience including internships at related animal care facilities.

  • Valid current driver’s license.

  • Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner and to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside contractors, and the general public.

Physical Requirements:

  • The position requires outdoor work in all weather conditions.

  • Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and operate equipment (e.g. food processors, scales, life support systems).

  • Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.

  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings and special events as the schedule demands.

Updated 1h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Diet Preparation • 1+ yrs
Exhibit Maintenance • 1+ yrs
Animal Observation • 1+ yrs
Animal Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Enrichment Programs • 1+ yrs
Tool Usage • 1+ yrs
Public Communication • 1+ yrs

Experience

1+ years

Certifications

Valid current driver’s license • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$48.1K - $48.1K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationBronx, New York, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium5/10
physicalHigh8/10
cognitiveMedium7/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium5/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationMedium6/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Team size

Growing team

Location

Bronx, New York, United States

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

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Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

Bronx, New York, United StatesFull Time